Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
179. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are criteria that contractors must reach before becoming eligible for the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59405/22]
View answer180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are mechanisms whereby contractors can be removed from the one-stop scheme for retrofitting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland if they are found to be abusing their position and prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59406/22]
View answerI propose to answer questions 179 and 180 together. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home energy upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The SEAI advise that twelve OSSs have now been registered and the SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through the registration process. In this regard, SEAI is focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Therefore, the registration process for this new service must be robust.
The new Scheme is also grounded in strong governance and oversight processes to ensure the OSSs are meeting the necessary customer and quality performance indicators.
The SEAI advise that there are a number of clearly defined minimum eligibility criteria in order to apply to become an OSS. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria under the key areas as outlined below:
- Financial Probity and Business Standing
- Organisational Capability and Technical Competence
- Governance and Legal Requirements
- Business Systems and IT Capability
- Market Engagement
- Skilled Workforce (direct or partnerships)
- Quality Assurance
- Obligated Party if relevant
- Commitment as a partner and key stakeholder in national retrofit
Once the OSS applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they are then required to submit a strategic plan to SEAI for assessment and agreement and enter into an OSS appointment agreement with SEAI.
In accordance with each OSS quality management system, each OSS must ensure they have sufficient competent resources in place, either directly employed or subcontracted via each OSS subcontractor framework, to satisfy all the home energy upgrade measures required. The individual competency requirements for each specific measure are described in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. Each OSS must ensure, through their competency and onboarding frameworks, internal auditing process and training, that all contractors adhere to these technical requirements. Each OSS is responsible for contracting their own subcontractors via their own appointment criteria.
The OSS will be subject to reviews to ensure compliance with Scheme requirements and any other terms and conditions or requirements of the Scheme. This process will also review broader items to ensure effective operation as a registered OSS. Where SEAI identifies any breaches of the OSS appointment agreement, any breaches of the relevant grant scheme terms and/or any quality management issues then SEAI will have various rights of remediation, suspension and termination provided for in the OSS appointment agreement.
